In case you hadn’t heard, there’s a little ‘ole genealogical gathering going on starting tomorrow and running through Sunday in southern California: the Southern California Genealogical Society’s Jamboree 2010 (aka: Jamboree or The Place To Be).
But alas, I’m going to be what feels like one of a small handful of genealogists who won’t be there. Chalk it up to bad timing and lack of funds. But not to be deterred, here is my plan for Virtual Jamboree 2010.
Prepare
Just like anyone who is physically there, I want to make sure I have a game plan. Especially since I’ll have my little darlin’s hanging around and needing things like, oh, lunch, I want to know what the sessions are and when in general different things are happening. So head over to the Jamboree website and checkout the schedule. I’m an ‘at a glance’ person, so I’ve downloaded the schedule grid. Print it out, mark it up, and we’re good to go!
What are other events that are going on? You can already browse the virtual exhibitor hall and while not as good as the real thing you may still find a great new genealogy vendor (and hey, no crowds and this version never closes!).
Wanting the latest news of what’s going on with speakers, events, etc.? Check out the conference blog.
During the conference
Follow the Tweets
Jamboree is hip and happenin’ when it comes to social media and has a well thought out and fair policy. They are encouraging blogging and tweeting during the conference so you know I’ll be following the Twitter stream by using the hashtag #scgs10. You won’t find play by play of the sessions here (or you shouldn’t), but you will find highlights which may help you decide if you want more information on that topic. You’ll probably also find quick thoughts on vendor offerings and probably plenty of ‘hey! I just met (fill in the blank)’.
Follow the Blogs (if you can)
It’s going to be a blogging extravaganza! Thomas MacEntee of Geneabloggers has compiled a list of known bloggers in attendance. I can’t wait to read their thoughts and reviews of the event.
Pictures!
The Jamboree staff has set up a group over at Flicker for pictures.
What about you?
If you aren’t able to attend, will you be doing anything to follow the conference?
If you are attending, will you be doing anything to give folks a sense of the event?
-30-
Elizabeth, I’ll be right there with you at the virtual Jamboree. I wish I could be there in person but SCGS does a great job of making even those hundreds of miles away feel like they are a part of the conference.
Hey Elizabeth, great ideas! SO wish I could be there. Oh well, maybe next year. =)
~Caroline
Caroline & Tina – Well, I’m in great company for V-Jam! Thanks for the comments.
Elizabeth–
I’m inspired. For you I will tweet a few more tweets than I’d first thing. I’ve been the outsider at conferences, glued to the Internets, thinking, “Oh, I wish they’d write more about what’s going on.” Strange though, when you’re there, you’re there.
Two things–
I live in the greater L.A. area, so I’m commuting from home to Jamboree. Please don’t hate me. I have to fight commuter traffic to get to the geneablogger meetup at registration on a Friday morning at 8:00 am. (hello? obviously easier if you take the elevator down to the lobby, peeps).
I note such a contrast in the tweets of “packing” and “on my way” and my down-to-the-wire frenzy of completing my slides (I’m speaking Sunday morning). Hm. Then again, frenzy is frenzy. It’s just of a different sort. I’m just hoping I can get in a load of laundry done today!
Anyway, carry on and here’s for good info-bites in 140 character batches.
Susan
oy. proofreading is your friend. Always do it, never neglect it (Yeahrightsure)
“than I’d first thing” should be “than I’d first THINK”
Wonderful thoughts! I don’t envy you the commute at all.
I completely understand what you mean about ‘when you’re there, you’re there’. I was at NGS and didn’t blog nearly as much as I wanted to about that. I even noticed that my tweeting dropped off over the course of the conference (they’re exhausting! conference, not tweeting). I think the great thing about this conference is there are SO many bloggers there! I’m sure it’ll provide great coverage.
Good luck with the laundry and the speaking on Sunday! Feel free to post a twitpic of the audience before you start.
I wish everyone could be here. I will do my best to provide the details and make it seem like you are.